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Payne Furnace Review & Buying Guide
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15,000+
Payne
4.6
Average Rating By Homeowner
$5,500
Average Price Including Installation
Payne Furnaces At a Glance
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
Payne Furnace Review: Your Complete Buying Guide
Looking to upgrade your home’s heating system? This updated Payne furnace guide offers everything you need to make an informed decision—featuring detailed model comparisons, pricing, AFUE efficiency ratings, key features, warranty information, and more.
While upfront cost is a major factor when purchasing a new furnace, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Long-term savings from higher energy efficiency and better warranty coverage can make a bigger difference over time than simply choosing the lowest-priced option.
That’s why we’ve created this all-in-one resource—to help you easily compare Payne’s furnace models and understand what each one offers in terms of performance, efficiency, and value.
Whether you're focused on cutting energy bills, improving home comfort, or sticking to a tight budget, this guide will help you determine if a high-efficiency Payne furnace is the right choice for your home—and which model best meets your needs.
Also Read: The Best Furnaces for Canadians
The Bottom Line
Payne offers a modest lineup of high-efficiency furnaces that are simple, reliable, and well-built—making them a solid choice for budget-conscious homeowners who need straightforward, no-frills heating.
However, most Payne models are single-stage units, which may not be ideal for larger homes or regions with harsh winters due to limited heating capacity and flexibility.
Additionally, while Payne furnaces include standard warranty coverage, they fall short of competitors when it comes to more comprehensive protection, such as lifetime heat exchanger or unit replacement warranties now common in the industry.
Payne Furnace Model Series Overview
Our model ratings are based on a proprietary evaluation system that considers key factors such as efficiency, features, warranty coverage, and overall value—making it easier to compare Payne furnaces both internally and across other brands.
It’s important to note that a lower grade doesn't necessarily indicate poor quality. More affordable models often score lower due to basic features, limited efficiency, or standard warranties when compared to higher-end units.
| Model | AFUE Efficiency | ENERGY STAR® Certified | Overall Grade | Warranty Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG96VTA | 96.7% | Yes | A | A− |
| PG95ESA | 96% | Yes | A− | A− |
| PG96MSA | 97% | Yes | A− | A− |
| PG95ESUA | 95% | No | B | A− |
| PG92MSA | 92.1% | Yes | A− | A− |
| PG80VTL | 80% | No | B | A− |
| PG80MSA | 80% | No | B− | A− |
| PG80MSL | 80% | No | B− | A− |
| PG80ESUA | 80% | No | B− | A− |
Payne’s Entry-Level Furnaces
Average Price: $3,350 to $4,350
Model Overview
PG92MSA – A single-stage, multi-speed furnace with an AFUE of 92.1%. While it's considered efficient in some regions, it no longer meets the high-efficiency threshold in places like Canada, where the minimum is 95%. Because of this, it may not be available or suitable in colder climates.
Ideal For
This entry-level model is best suited for homeowners seeking a very basic and budget-friendly heating solution. Its lower efficiency and single-stage performance make it a good fit for small homes in mild climates—such as those in California or Vancouver Island. However, it may not provide sufficient heating power for larger homes or regions with harsh winters.
Payne’s Mid-Range Furnaces
Average Price: $3,850 to $4,850
Model Overview
PG96MSA – A single-stage, multi-speed furnace with a high-efficiency AFUE of 97%. It uses a silicon nitride hot surface igniter, which is more reliable and efficient than a traditional pilot light.
PG95ESA – Another single-stage, multi-speed furnace, offering an AFUE of 96%. It features a secondary heat exchanger that extracts additional heat from exhaust gases, increasing efficiency through a condensing operation.
PG95ESUA – A single-stage, multi-speed model with an AFUE of 95%. This ultra-low NOx furnace uses a premix burner to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, making it ideal for eco-conscious buyers or those in areas with strict air quality regulations.
Ideal For
Payne’s mid-range furnaces provide improved efficiency but still rely on single-stage operation. They’re suitable for smaller homes and moderate climates where constant temperature swings aren’t as common. These are great for homeowners who want better energy savings without the cost of premium features, though they may not be ideal for maintaining comfort in large homes during severe winters.
Payne’s Top-Tier Furnaces
Average Price: $4,350 to $5,350
Model Overview
PG96VTA – A two-stage, variable-speed furnace with an AFUE of 96.7%. It’s dual fuel compatible, meaning it can work with an electric heat pump to switch between gas and electric heating based on outdoor temperatures for maximum efficiency and cost savings.
Ideal For
The PG96VTA is ideal for homeowners in colder climates or with larger homes, thanks to its two-stage operation. It can maintain consistent indoor temperatures more effectively by operating at a lower setting most of the time and ramping up only when needed. While this model is still relatively affordable, it lacks premium warranty coverage and advanced features found in higher-end brands.
Recently Discontinued Payne Furnaces
- PG96VAT
- PG95XAT
- PG95S
- PG92S
- PG92ESA
Payne Features Overview
Payne furnaces prioritize quality, reliability, and essential performance over flashy extras. While they don’t offer a wide selection of advanced or proprietary features—especially for Canadian consumers—they are built with well-engineered components that support long-term efficiency and comfort.
Though Payne doesn’t focus on cutting-edge technology, their furnaces do include several practical and user-friendly features:
- Compatible with air purifiers and humidifiers for improved indoor air quality
- Equipped with ECM blower motors for better energy efficiency, quieter operation, and more consistent temperature control
- Include secondary heat exchangers to enhance efficiency by capturing additional heat from exhaust gases
- Built with sound-reducing features to ensure quieter operation
- Fully insulated cabinets to minimize heat loss and maximize energy efficiency
Payne furnaces are a smart choice for homeowners who value simplicity, affordability, and dependable performance.
Important Warranty Information
Payne furnaces come with one of the most basic warranty packages in the HVAC industry, offering uniform coverage across all models.
Standard Warranty Coverage:
- 20-year limited warranty on the heat exchanger
- 10-year limited parts warranty, available only with registration
To qualify for the full 10-year parts warranty, homeowners must register their new Payne furnace within 90 days of installation. If the unit is not registered within this window, the parts warranty is reduced to five years. The 20-year heat exchanger warranty remains the same, regardless of registration status.
It’s worth noting that many competing HVAC brands now offer lifetime heat exchanger warranties and even unit replacement warranties on select models. Payne has not yet adopted these more comprehensive coverage options, which may be a consideration for homeowners prioritizing long-term protection and peace of mind.
About Payne
Founded in 1914 by D.W. Payne, the Payne Heating & Cooling Company has been providing reliable, high-quality home comfort solutions for over a century. With a strong focus on affordability and efficiency, Payne continues to deliver heating and cooling systems that balance performance with value.
Payne is an excellent choice for Canadian homeowners seeking dependable HVAC products at a competitive price—especially for those who prioritize simplicity and long-term reliability without unnecessary extras.
Interested in learning more about Payne furnaces? Fill out our online form today to request a free, no-obligation quote from one of our knowledgeable representatives.
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